530 The Congregation shall rise, and the Minister, standing at the Communion Table shall say: Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to Him: Come unto Me, all ye that labor, and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. St. Matt. xi: 28. Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. St. Matt. v: 6. Hear also what St. Paul saith: This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all men to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Tim. i: 15. Lift up your hearts. The Congregation: We lift them up unto the Lord. The Minister: Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. The Congregation: It is meet and right so to do. The Minister: It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God. Therefore with Angels, and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify Thy glorious name; evermore praising Thee, and saying, Here shall follow the Sanctus in which the whole congregation shall join. After the reading of a suitable passage of Scripture, an anthem may be sung by the choir: or the congregation, remaining seated, may sing the following Litany. Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the Commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in His Holy ways, draw near with faith, and take this Holy Sacrament to your comfort. Let us pray. Here shall follow the Prayer of Dedication, and a short Address. A Hymn shall then be sung, (see Communion Hymns) after which the elements shall be distributed: the Minister saying, as he gives the bread to the Elders or Deacons : The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, preserve your bodies and souls unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on Him in your hearts, by faith with thanksgiving. ¶ And likewise before the distribution of the wine he shall say : The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve your bodies and souls unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ's Blood was shed for you and be thankful. After all have communicated, an offering for the Poor shall be taken, the Minister saying: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. St. Matt. V. He that soweth little shall reap little, and he that soweth plenteously shall reap plenteously. Let every man do according as he is disposed in his heart, not grudging or of necessity; for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. IX. ¶ The Service shall close with the singing of the Gloria in Excelsis, No. 715, or a suitable Hymn, (see Communion Hymns) and the following Benediction :— And now may the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord: and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. AMEN. |